Bodega Premium Blends (BPB) has entered the cigar industry as the newest addition to House of Emilio’s stellar cigar lineup. Providing a “Boutique” cigar experience. I was afforded the opportunity to try out this beautiful cigar. The wrapper is a classic rich Habano Claro brown with visible wrapper lines and veins. There is soft sweetness that just draws you in and makes you just want to immediately light it up and enjoy. The band on this cigar is top notch and screams boutique classiness. A silver tree with a red background, surrounded by a vignette with leaves. A second band adorns this cigar with the name Aperitivo which means; “a cocktail or other alcoholic beverage that is specifically served before a meal, or with a small appetizer. In the culinary arts, the purpose of an apéritif is to stimulate or arouse the appetite.” The cold draw has a pepper taste along with a sweetness.

First puffs

I get a rich oak flavor wrapped in a spicy black pepper hit. I also get a caramel flavor mixed in to add some sweetness. The pepper seems to linger on the pallet providing a nice balance.

First third

During this transition I am picking up some floral notes along with an earthy taste, they really elevate the flavor profile. There is a lot of flavor happening but it remains balanced and creamy smooth. Pepper has fallen back and instead that rich caramel is what lingers. The draw is great and is producing a fair amount of smoke.

Second third

The black pepper comes back right as I hit the middle of the cigar. Floral and earthy notes still remain. Smoking very smoothly and the draw is fantastic, loose but steady. The construction is superb on this cigar.

Final third

Floral notes really shine through, providing such an enjoyable smoking experience. There is a slight sweet and spicy mix through this final part of the cigar. The draw and smoke smoke production are still going strong.

Overall a fantastic cigar that really fits its moniker which is to Reunite the enthusiast to his or her cigar experience. In this task Bodega has succeeded. This is a cigar that can and should be shared amongst fellow cigar aficionados and be allowed to do what it does best, please the smokers senses. The heavy floral and black pepper notes, accompanied by sweet and earthy undertones really makes this cigar stand out amongst the others. I would suggest buying and adding to your humidors rotation.

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Rob is an entrepreneur to the core, spending the last 10 years growing and selling a successful communications firm. The skills he honed over the years will be instrumental in helping guide the ship and making sure Bodega is operationally and financially sound.